Can Gasoline Go Stale? Check the Explanation Here!
Are gasoline can go bad? This question has sparked heated discussions on social media. In fact, some people consider this question a joke. So, is this statement factual or really just a joke? Let's find out the real facts by paying attention to the following explanation.
Fact or Myth: Can Gasoline Go Bad?
When you hear the question and statement about whether gasoline can go bad or not, you might chuckle a bit. This is because many consider the statement a joke. In fact, many people associate this question with food that can expire. However, is this really a joke or a myth? So why is that?
Gasoline can indeed go bad if stored in a vehicle's tank for too long. However, the bad gasoline does not change color or smell like expired food. Bad gasoline only affects the quality of the gasoline itself.
When gasoline is left stagnant for a long time, it will eventually settle. This sediment creates sludge in the gasoline tank, leading to corrosion. The corroded tank produces new compounds that can degrade the quality of the gasoline. Additionally, gasoline that remains in the vehicle's tank for too long can also produce compounds like benzene. This compound will evaporate into gas if there is a vent in the vehicle's tank.
What is the Expiration Period of Gasoline?
Gasoline can expire and go bad if it is in the vehicle's tank for about six months. This expiration period can be shorter, as you may not know how long the gasoline has been stored in the gas station's storage tank (SPBU).
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Impact of Using Bad Gasoline
Using bad gasoline certainly has a significant impact on the performance quality of the vehicle's engine. Typically, engine performance will decline and lose power. This happens because the sediment in the car's tank alters the chemical structure of the gasoline.
As a result, the quality of the gasoline decreases, affecting the combustion quality of the engine. The combustion process becomes less efficient, leading to several problems in the car. These range from poor performance, the car's exhaust emitting black smoke, the car stuttering while driving, to accelerating wear on engine components.
Tips for Maintaining Gasoline Quality
To prevent gasoline from going bad easily, you need to know some tips for maintaining gasoline quality. Here are the complete tips.
1. Fill the Gas Tank Completely
The first tip to prevent gasoline from going bad is to fill the gas tank completely. This is necessary to avoid condensation in the vehicle's gas tank. As is known, condensation is more likely to occur if the vehicle's tank has a vent. A less than full gas tank can trigger the evaporation of gasoline due to air mixing with gasoline from the tank's vent.
2. Avoid Storing Gasoline Too Long in the Vehicle's Tank
The second tip is that you should not store gasoline in the vehicle's tank for too long. If this is done, it can lead to sediment buildup. You need to empty your car's gas tank if you plan to travel without using the car for a considerable time.
Read Also: 5 Types of Alternative Fuels as Gasoline Replacements
3. Avoid Parking the Car Under Direct Sunlight
The third tip is to avoid parking the car directly under the scorching sun. This can cause the temperature inside the car's tank to rise, accelerating the evaporation process of the gasoline.
4. Warm Up the Car Engine Twice a Week
The fourth tip is to start your car engine twice a week even if the car is not used for traveling. This can prevent sediment buildup in the car's tank.
These are some tips you can follow to keep the quality of gasoline maintained. Besides gasoline quality, don't forget to pay attention to your car's condition. If there are any issues, visit the nearest Daihatsu workshop immediately.
